First experiences with a slitlamp-adapted optical coherence tomography (OCT) system in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye

摘要

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new in vivo imaging device in ophthalmology. We investigated the diagnostic potentials of a slitlamp-adapted OCT in the examination of not only the posterior but also the anterior segment in vivo. Patients were examined with a new prototype of a slitlamp- adapted OCT (Fa.Schwind, D-Kleinostheim) in the anterior and posterior segment using 100 - 200 axial scans with 50 Hz scan frequency. The scan length is variable up to 7.5 mm. The software allows to evaluate the images in gray scale or false color. By the slitlamp-adapted OCT all anatomic structures and morphological changes anterior to the attenuating iris pigment epithelium including the anterior chamber angle can be demonstrated and measured precisely. Within the pupillary opening OCT-imaging of cataract, secondary cataract formation as well as the anterior vitreous can be performed. The slitlamp-adapted OCT also allows direct biomicroscopic control of the measured area in examinations of the posterior segment. The slitlamp-adapted OCT provides a new and helpful diagnostic tool, which allows a precise examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. The advantage of this new method lies in the combination of the familiar examination technique and the simultaneous slitlamp view, which provides an exact position control. It is possible to do pachymetric studies of the cornea after photorefractive and phototherapeutic therapy. Of importance is the objective measurement of the chamber angle, which may improve pre- and postoperative evaluation and allow a better follow up documentation of glaucoma patients.